Quality Services

Quality Initiatives

Quality is a top priority at Littleton Regional Healthcare. We recognize and value the importance of a commitment to quality in providing cost-effective services and improving patient safety. We publish healthcare quality data as part of our effort to provide the community with meaningful, relevant and easily accessible information about the quality of the services and care we provide. On our Website, you will find our most recent Community Report Card, which includes data representing quality of care and patient satisfaction measures. LRH uses this data to assess and improve the quality of the care and service we provide. In addition to the quality measures, there is simple advice on how patients can take part in their healthcare decisions to achieve better outcomes. If you have questions or feedback regarding our data, you may contact us via our Web site feedback form or call (603) 444-9280.

Patient-Centered Care and Patient Safety

Patient- and family-centered care places an emphasis on collaborating with patients and families of all ages, at all levels of care, and in all health care settings. At Littleton Regional Healthcare, we recognize our patients as partners. Patients who are actively involved and informed about their care are an essential part of our healthcare team. Families are also an indispensable part of our healthcare team. Family members serve as allies for quality and safety within any health care system. Being in the hospital can be confusing, and at times, overwhelming. Having a family advocate involved in care supports communication and understanding for both patients and caregivers. Many studies confirm that social isolation is actually a health risk factor, and we are working to ensure that hospital and ambulatory care policies and practices do not separate patients and families in care giving and decision-making. We are committed to providing an environment that fosters open communication and questions. We encourage each of our patients, their family members and significant others to speak up about questions and concerns they may have about treatment, illness or wellness options and opportunities. The "Speak Up" program, sponsored by The Joint Commission, urges patients to get involved in their care. This initiative provides simple advice on how you, as the patient, can make your care a positive experience. For more information, download the "Speak Up" brochure. The "Speak Up" program emphasizes the following points:

Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again. It's your body and you have a right to know.

Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don't assume anything.

Educate your self about your diagnosis, and medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.

Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate. Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes.

Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards.

Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.

Patient Comments

At Littleton Regional Healthcare, your healing, comfort and well-being are our primary concerns. We greatly appreciate your feedback and we hope you will share information about your experience with us. Do you have a question or concern? Speak to your nurse, doctor or any other staff member if you have questions about the care you or a family member is receiving at Littleton Regional Healthcare, or if you are concerned about safety. You can also speak with a member of our Quality Services team, staff specially trained to help patients and families with concerns, who will handle your concerns in a confidential manner. If at any time you have questions, concerns or a complaint about the level of care or service provided, we encourage you to promptly bring it to our attention.

Quality Services can be reached Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm by calling (603) 444-9280 (or internally, extension 9280). If you would like to detail your concern in writing, send your letter of concern directly to the LRH, Attention: Quality Services. Listening and responding to you is one of many ways Littleton Regional Healthcare strives to assure that our patients received patient- and family-centered care that is coordinated, effective, efficient, compassionate and safe. If your concerns cannot be resolved through our Quality Services office, you can also report concerns to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services' Ombudsman Office or to the Northeast Health Care Quality Foundation.

Web Sites Related to Healthcare Quality

There are many Internet Web sites dedicated to the topic of healthcare quality and patient safety. Littleton Regional Healthcare recommends the following sites as credible information sources: